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Submitted by gregoryx
May 27, 2012
Review
Super great race. Well organized, very competitive, and tons of swag and festivities.
This race continues to draw strong talent, making it a fast run if you like having someone to “play” with.
They do a pretty good job of getting people to start closer to their pace time than some races of this size – though certainly not as well organized as a huge marathon or half with well-run corrals. Getting out in the front to be traffic-free is probably a good idea (if you’ll be there after the first half mile is done).
The new course (reversed, basically) was probably better in terms of the mess of crossing paths and stuff from the past course; but I suffered a little more on the long, gradual hill than I did on the short, steep one of the old course. Still ran it a LOT faster than last year, so don’t think it is necessarily slower… but it hurt.
Music, food, and more at the finish. One of my favorite races – on my “must do” every year.
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Submitted by cfairing
February 28, 2012
Review
Ran my first 8k yesterday at the Brea 8k. The race had some solid hills, but the last two mile allowed for all downhill, which was really nice. The after-party expo was like no other. Since the race is right next to the mall, all the vendors come out in support. There was BJ pizza, hot dog on a stick, panera bread, jamba juice, corner bakery, mexican food and so much more. I did not see clothing vendors, but there was tons of food! No medals or ribbons, but organized and a good course overall. Only thing that was a downfall was that I had to register the same day, and they only took cash. I had to run a half mile back to my car, run to the bank across the street, then a half mile back to pay. Was stressful and I wish I had notice that cards would not be accepted. Also i had difficulty finding where to pick up my goodie bag – which was by the finish line, but not where the rest of the expo was.
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Submitted by nlcolon
February 27, 2012
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Very well organized. Great volunteer staff! Fantastic food at the end!
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Submitted by mviscetto
February 27, 2012
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Had a great time and the weather was perfect! The course was modified and I like it much better.
Great Job Brea 8K organizers! If I may add a couple of suggestions, as always more porta potties at the start would help. (will there ever be enough)? and more trash cans in the finishers area.
Thanks again.
See you next year.
Michael
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Submitted by Linda
February 27, 2012
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Although, I lived in Brea for over 20 years this was my first Brea 8K. The parking was convenient, the race was well organized, and the after race food was fantastic. I am looking forward to next year!
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Submitted by ms.c.earthsci
February 27, 2012
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Less food at the finish line than previous years but still way way better than any other small race in this part of the world.
Bathrooms deserve a category of their own – very clean and well kept.
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Submitted by True
February 27, 2012
Review
This is a well organized race, with a scenic, residential course that has a challenging “Heart Rate” hill on the third mile (new this year) and well monitored by police and patrons. Very friendly water stations and cheer squads along the course. It’s a run/walk. I would like to suggest that walkers stay to the sides of the course, and allow runners to run along the middle, so that people aren’t bumping into each other or struggling to get around others. The after-party is awesome with good food, that could be a little better organized, since there are hordes of people mingling about. Water, juice and fruit should be easily accessible after the race – just past the finish line for the runners. The registration was very convenient and so was the parking. You must pay careful attention for the start buzzer if you are not at the front for the race, otherwise you are bound to get caught in the confusion at start time. It’s an otherwise fun and exciting race!
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Submitted by Danielle
February 26, 2012
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Challenging course, great volunteers, fun for all ages! This is the third year I’ve run Brea and it’s one of my favorites. This year they changed the course so there’s quite a bit of elevation change, mostly in the middle milles. There are plenty of enthusiastic spectators at the finish. Registration and packet pick-up is a breeze, and there’s tons of parking, making this a pretty stress-free race. Post race is noisy, crowded, people bumping into you, but good food.
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Submitted by vpjana
February 26, 2012
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Wow! This event is SUPER well-organized. Packet pick-up, parking and getting to the start was easy and stress-free. Plenty of room to run, and I LOVED the course. Lovely rolling hills and a nice downhill to finish. There are some loops, so it’s a pretty spectator friendly course, too. Volunteers were everywhere and water stations were well placed. The finish line was probably the best I’ve ever seen, with TONS of food from area restaurants.Well done! I would absolutely do this race again.
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Submitted by Thanh Quan
February 26, 2012
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This is a brilliant race course with many local sponsors at the finish line to pass out food. The race was well organized and neither parking nor traffic was an issue. There is an incline for about one mile starting at around mile 2.5. This is a fast course. I don’t have my official time yet, but based on my Garmin I ran at a 6:38 pace and got passed up in the last half mi by a little girl who is probably no older than 11 yrs. Talk about precocious!
I look forward to running the Brea 8K again next year!
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Submitted by vpjana
February 26, 2012
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Wow! This event is SUPER well-organized. Packet pick-up, parking and getting to the start was easy and stress-free. Plenty of room to run, and I LOVED the course. Lovely rolling hills and a nice downhill to finish. There are some loops, so it’s a pretty spectator friendly course, too. Volunteers were everywhere and water stations were well placed. The finish line was probably the best I’ve ever seen, with TONS of food from area restaurants.Well done! I would absolutely do this race again.
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Submitted by gavini
February 17, 2012
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One of my 2 or 3 favorite races in So-Cal. course is nothing special but it is on wide open streets which helps in the begininng so that you dont get slowed down much at the start and it is easy to get around walkers. Being at a mall means easy parking a short walk from the start line. Freeway friendly for a quick in and out if you arent local.
Hands down, no contest, best post race food anywhere. Come hungry and plan to spend some post race time chowing down as they get a lot of restaurants to bring full tables of food, not just wimpy samples.
Bonus, it is an 8k which are rare so you can get a PR.
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Submitted by runnerdude
February 12, 2012
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I don’t know if I would call this race a premier race, but it is one that you should work into your race schedule. It is unique in that it is an 8k, compared to a 5k or 10k. It has good parking and registration is always smooth. The course demands your respect!
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Submitted by jkthompson714
February 8, 2012
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I’ve watched the Brea 8K grow steadily since the early 1990s. It started very small and just in the past few years, has grown to one of Southern California’s premiere races.
There’s plenty of parking with the Brea Mall and the shopping centers across the street. packet pick-up is easy (at least on race morning) and there are plenty of course monitors (not to mention police!). The course isn’t the easiest but it’s a nice run through the city…my favorite part is what has been dubbed “Target Heartrate Hill”. Last year they introduced chip-timing which real pushed the race over the top.
What makes the Brea 8K unique is its finish line. I was talking to a runner in northern California and HE knew of the Brea 8K because of its finish line. Last year, they had between 10 and 15 restaurants serving the runners after the race. The number of restaurants grows every year I come back.
THIS is the race to do if you’re from the area or if you’re visiting. And it’s a great value too.
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